It comes after the completion of their operations in the Zero and Near-Zero Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) Shore to Store project at the Port of Los Angeles, which tested 10 Toyota-Kenworth T680 FCEV truck, codenamed Ocean.

Using a 2017 diesel engine operating around 200 miles a day as baseline, Toyota and Kenworth say the T680 has a range of approximately 300 miles when fully loaded to 37,200kg with no downtime between shifts for charging.

The Ocean trucks were operated customers including, Toyota Logistics Services, Total Transportation Services, Inc., Southern Counties Express, among others.

Offering a 15-20 minute refuelling time, the companies say the FCEVs could cover up to 400-500 miles per day. According to the partners, the Ocean trucks reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 74.66 tonnes per truck, annually, compared to the baseline diesel engine.

H2 View understands, Shell provided hydrogen fuel infrastructure for the trials, which were funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). It is hoped the programme will pave the way for further development and commercial opportunities for hydrogen-powered fuel cell-electric transportation in California and beyond.

Toyota in 2020 revealed its fuel cell technology was powering a set of Kenworth T680 trucks.

Read more: Toyota equips Kenworth trucks with next generation fuel cell system

Andrew Lund, Chief Engineer of Zero Emission Advanced Product Planning at Toyota, said, “Having a successful demonstration of Toyota’s scaled fuel cell electric power supply with real-world operations for actual customers opens the door to even broader future deployment, as the use of hydrogen helps to eliminate CO2 from heavy-duty transport while offering a cleaner alternative that keeps the vehicles in service, a win for all parties.

“The potential for this technology as a replacement for higher-emission powertrains is real and supports both regulatory and society initiatives to combat climate change while helping us achieve our own goals of carbon neutrality.”

Joe Adams, Chief Engineer at Kenworth, added, “Through the Shore to Store project, we demonstrated how Toyota’s advanced zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology could be scaled and used in our Kenworth T680.

“We clearly showed that hydrogen is a viable clean fuel capable of powering commercial transportation for customers, matching diesel performance in range and power, with quick refuelling for minimal downtime and smooth, quiet operation.”